Mark Ramer Award
   
Following in the footsteps of Carol’s parents, Carol and her late husband, John, have always supported UJA. UJA’s mission of caring for those in need wherever they are and rescuing those in harm’s way resonates deeply with Carol and her family.

Carol was born in Brooklyn and raised in Hewlett Harbor and met her husband John at Hewlett High School. They married in 1968 and moved to Woodsburgh in 1974 with their daughters. Carol was a longtime member of the PTA during their school years. 

Carol helped establish the Hewlett-Woodmere Alumni Association in 1994 to provide scholarships to students continuing their education...

Amy and Ross Epstein are dedicated supporters of UJA, understanding the importance of strengthening the Jewish community locally and globally. They believe strongly in UJA’s allocation of funds, supporting local food pantries, funding summer camps and Jewish education, and more. Supporting UJA is a vital part of the legacy passed down from Ross’s grandparents, Marcy and Joseph Sirulnick, and maintaining this connection is very important to them.

In addition to their involvement with UJA, Amy and Ross have supported the Michael J. Fox Foundation, hosting an annual fundraiser for 10 years and raising over a million dollars. They are also active in the South Shore Community...

Ellen and Gary Hisiger both have strong connections to many Jewish organizations, starting with B’nai B’rith Youth Organization, where they met and were active both as youth and in an adult advisory board capacity. Together, they support the Barry & Florence Friedberg JCC, a UJA partner, in Oceanside, and were founding members of Sunrise Day Camp, where Gary serves on the board of directors. 

Ellen and Gary give to UJA because UJA supports many of the philanthropic organizations they care about and extends help to those in need who may not know where their next meal is coming from or how they will keep a roof over their head. Most importantly, UJA is creating a...

Barbara and Bobby Barrack have supported UJA for many years, as they appreciate all the good that UJA does for Israel and the Jewish people around the world, and for anyone in need. Barbara and Bobby visited the site of the former World Trade Center with Larry Silverstein and UJA post 9/11, and Bobby just visited Israel on a UJA solidarity mission. Both opportunities left them with true admiration for UJA’s work.

Bobby grew up in Queens, and his family was active in the Jewish Center of Jackson Heights. He received his B.A. and M.B.A. from NYU and is a CPA. He started his career at Arthur Andersen & Co. and went on to work in a tax practice, as an investment banker, as the...

Tyler Gildin is a comedian and award-winning filmmaker whose work has been featured on NBC, CBS, Sirius XM, Huffington Post, Daily Mail, and Newsday. He has performed at renowned clubs throughout the tristate area, including Caroline's on Broadway, New York Comedy Club, Governors, and The Brokerage.

In 2017, Tyler founded the production company Gildin Media, which specializes in original productions, social creative, and marketing campaigns for over two dozen brands. In 2019, Gildin Media released its first documentary, The Starfish, based on Tyler's late grandfather's Holocaust story. The film received international press and premiered at the Miami Jewish...